UNIX for Dummies Questions & Answers

i last night i copied a 400GB folder using rsync and ssh i did:

rsync -r /mnt/500_GB ssh miguel@192.168.1.3:/mnt/1500_GB

and it copied the folder fine all 400GB.

The question is: If i put more files to that initial 400GB folder, which command can i run on my server for it to update the folder with out copying everything back, just copy the files that were added.

Probably the most common way is the rsync -b --backup-dir= combination. There are numerous other ways. Do a Web search for "rsync incremental" and you will find plenty of information.

ya but doesnt the command: rsync -b --backup-dir= combination creates one file instead to replicating everything the way it is on the original folder?

Maybe try this:

Code:

rsync -azv /path/to/source/folder/ /path/to/target/folder/

To do a dry run without making any changes add -n:

Code:

rsync -azvn /path/to/source/folder/ /path/to/target/folder/

Also, take a look at the man pages for rsync, they are pretty thorough and with examples.

I hope this helps. :-)

I believe rsync will know not to backup files that have already been backed up.

From man pages:

Rsync is a fast and extraordinarily versatile file copying tool. It can copy locally, to/from another host over any remote shell, or
to/from a remote rsync daemon. It offers a large number of options that control every aspect of its behavior and permit very flexible
specification of the set of files to be copied. It is famous for its delta-transfer algorithm, which reduces the amount of data sent
over the network by sending only the differences between the source files and the existing files in the destination. Rsync is widely
used for backups and mirroring and as an improved copy command for everyday use.

Hope this helps